What causes pain in the front of the shoulder when lifting the arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the front of the shoulder when lifting your arm is most commonly caused by swimmer's shoulder (rotator cuff tendinitis), a condition triggered by repetitive overhead arm movements. Other possible causes include impingement syndrome, biceps tendinitis, or a rotator cuff tear. Symptoms typically worsen with overhead activity and may include weakness, stiffness, or a dull ache that disrupts sleep.

Because front-of-shoulder pain can stem from several different conditions—each requiring a different treatment approach—identifying the underlying cause early is essential to prevent worsening damage. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the front of the shoulder when lifting the arm can be caused by various conditions. One common issue is known as swimmer's shoulder, which is related to repetitive arm movements, often seen in swimmers. This condition can lead to inflammation and pain in the shoulder area.

Causes of Shoulder Pain:

Swimmer's Shoulder: This occurs due to repetitive movements, causing strain and inflammation.
Diabetes-Related Issues: People with diabetes might experience shoulder pain due to specific shoulder conditions associated with the disease.
Post-Surgery Complications: Sometimes, after surgeries like those on the spine, nerve injuries can lead to shoulder pain.

Understanding these causes can help in identifying the reason behind shoulder pain and seeking appropriate care. If you experience persistent shoulder pain, you can start by using Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms, then consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

(References)

Garcilazo C, Cavallasca JA, & Musuruana JL. (2010). Shoulder manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Current diabetes reviews, 20701586.
Penny JN, & Smith C. (1980). The prevention and treatment of swimmer's shoulder. Canadian journal of applied sport sciences. Journal canadien des sciences appliquees au sport, 7449033.
Joaquim AF, Makhni MC, & Riew KD. (2019). Post-operative nerve injuries after cervical spine surgery. International orthopaedics, 30498911.

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